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Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
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Dear Driving for Dollars,
I have a limited amount of money to spend on a new car, and I want something small and fuel efficient. My brother thinks leasing a new car would be better than buying an older car because of the repair costs, and I don’t drive very many miles. But I’m wondering: Can you lease a cheap car?
— Barb
Dear Barb,
It’s more common for a manufacturer to offer car leases on more expensive cars as a cheaper way to get more people to drive them. Still, some inexpensive cars have good lease deals.
For example, Nissan is currently offering a $179 monthly lease payment for 39 months (with a $2,499 down payment) on the 2010 Nissan Cube — a small boxy car that gets 31 highway mpg and starts at $13,990 — to qualified lessees. Do some research on which inexpensive, fuel-efficient cars might suit your needs, and visit the manufacturers’ websites to see what car lease deals are currently being offered.
You might also look at lease-trading sites, such as LeaseTrader.com or SwapALease.com, where you can sometimes find good deals from individuals looking to escape their car leases before the end of their leasing contracts.
Ask the adviser
If you have a car question, e-mail it to us at Driving for Dollars. Read more Driving for Dollars columns and Bankrate auto stories.
Bankrate’s content, including the guidance of its advice-and-expert columns and this Web site, is intended only to assist you with financial decisions. The content is broad in scope and does not consider your personal financial situation. Bankrate recommends that you seek the advice of advisers who are fully aware of your individual circumstances before making any final decisions or implementing any financial strategy. Please remember that your use of this Web site is governed by Bankrate’s Terms of Use.
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